Should I Get a Second Opinion on My Personal Injury Case?

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury, the guidance you receive from your lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. What if you’re uncertain about the advice you’re getting? What if you are unsure about the direction your case is taking? Remember that second opinions aren’t just for doctors. You can also consult another law firm if you believe they can help you move your case forward or change its trajectory. Is this a good idea for your case? It’s something we do frequently at Morelli Law.  

Your Right to a Second Legal Opinion in New York 

In New York, you absolutely have the right to change your personal injury lawyer or get a second legal opinion on your case should you feel it’s necessary. This is like seeking a second opinion from another doctor, contractor, or any other service provider. You are not bound to continue with a lawyer if you believe their strategy or advice does not align with your best interests. It’s essential, however, to review any retainer or agreement you may have signed to understand any financial obligations or specifics about changing your legal representation. 

What Does It Mean to Get a Second Legal Opinion? 

Legally, getting a second opinion means consulting another attorney to review the facts of your case, the legal strategies that have been proposed, and the potential outcomes. Another lawyer or team can assess the strength of your case, evaluate the work done by your current lawyer, and provide advice on whether they believe the approach or settlement offers are reasonable. This does not require you to switch lawyers; rather, it’s about gaining additional insights that could help you make a more informed decision about how to proceed with your case. 

The Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion: Is it Right for Your Case? 

Getting a second opinion on your personal injury case can be a great idea, depending on the specifics of your case. A new set of eyes on your case can lead to: 

• New Perspectives: Another attorney or team might see things differently or suggest new strategies that could result in a better outcome. 
• A Confirmation of the Current Strategy: If you are uncertain about your case’s trajectory, you can get peace of mind that the strategy is sound if you have someone else look at it. 
• Valuable Insights: Switching to a law firm with more experience in your type of case might provide insights into what a case is worth based on the past cases they have worked on. 
• Avoiding Malpractice: Occasionally, legal malpractice isn’t obvious without the insight of another professional. A second opinion can help identify if your case is being mishandled. 

The Signs You Should Get a Second Legal Opinion 

You put a lot of trust in your lawyer and their team, and you’re probably not aware of what they may be doing at any given time. It’s a lot like sending your car in for repairs; you don’t understand what’s going on under the hood, so you are taking the mechanic’s word for it. 

You don’t have to understand everything about the legal process to recognize the signs that you may want to seek out the advice of another attorney. Some of the signs that it’s time to get a second legal opinion include: 

• A Clear Lack of Communication: If your lawyer is not communicating clearly or regularly about the status of your case, or anything else, you should find an attorney who is willing to work more closely with you. 
• Strategy Disagreements: If you feel your lawyer’s strategy does not align with your goals or you’re uncomfortable with the advice provided, seek out someone who will represent you in a way that works better for you. 
• Lack of Progress: If your case seems to be dragging on without a clear reason or your lawyer is not pursuing your interests, it may be time to change lawyers. Make sure they aren’t missing court deadlines, as this can sink your case and have it dismissed. 
• Settlement Concerns: If you are pushed to accept a settlement that you feel is too low or not in your best interest, you don’t have to settle if you believe you are entitled to more. Don’t let anyone push you into a settlement you aren’t comfortable with. 

The Next Steps to Take in Getting a Second Opinion 

Feel like you can be better represented in your case? At Morelli Law, our team of personal injury attorneys have a track record of success. We provide expert (first and second) opinions on cases, and we never settle if we believe you’re entitled to more. We are not afraid to go to court if that’s what it takes to get you justice. 

Your next step should be to schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll help you prepare the details of your case, including any documents gathered by your current lawyer. During the consultation, we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible. We’ll explain the process, address your concerns, and tell you how we would handle your case differently. 

We’ll give you time to reflect on our feedback and decide if staying with your current lawyer or switching to our team might benefit your case. There’s never any pressure to work with our team. 

Seeking a second opinion for your personal injury case in New York is not only your right, but it can also be the best decision you make for yourself and your family. If you need advice on your personal injury case, get in touch with our team today for a free consultation.